Today, I am excited for you to hear from Brené Brown, a brave woman who fought a year-long scientific “slug-fest” with vulnerability. She has spent more than a decade studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame.
I found it fascinating that, through her research on vulnerability, she sought to control and predict (the very definition of research) but instead her research showed that she needed to stop controlling and predicting… Continue reading
I don’t ever want to be a vegetable. I’m not ready to die. I certainly don’t want to lose my husband. Honestly, I don’t even want to ever think about such things. Imagining any of them is too painful and it’s much easier if I don’t. Until I think about what would happen if I didn’t. And so I do… Continue reading
In remembrance of the September 11th attacks, I am posting a speech I was asked to give as the student response to the Purdue University community. It’s hard to believe that was twelve years ago. I will never forget being my sister staying up all night, helping me to desperately find the right words. I’m not sure what I would have done without her and my husband (boyfriend at the time), sharing their insights and ideas which shaped the text below. I remember being terrified to go on stage, thinking that there may be a hundred or maybe two hundred in attendance. Imagine what happened when I learned there were 6,000 faces out there (not to mention the television and radio audience). Yes…I puked. And I remember a voice in my head saying that my feelings and anxiety were incomparable to those directly affected by the attacks. I remember thinking, “this is not about me,” and experiencing a sense of calm as I took the stage. Each year on this day, I dig this out to remember and reflect, to honor those lost and those left and to hope for better in our children’s futures.
Text of speech by Purdue student Erin Taylor, student leader, to those attending the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance memorial service Friday (9/14) at the Elliott Hall of Music on the West Lafayette campus… Continue reading
Conflict used to be a terrifying topic for this reformed people-pleaser. For decades, I was driven by a strong need for approval and always thought that it was the right way, perhaps the only way, for me to be. After all, what’s there not to like about pleasing others? Continue reading
I click through the hundreds of swimsuits available online at Victoria’s Secret as I imagine the perfect beach getaway. I’m in search of a new suit or two and am considering a two-piece. Mind you, it’s been YEARS since I’ve touched a two-piece suit. I’ve been sporting my favorite go-to, the tankini with skirt, for the most recent few years. But this year I’ve been working out, eating great and feeling really good and my husband is really excited about the prospect of me in a bikini for our ten year anniversary trip. Yes, two-piece it is… Continue reading